We all know "hate" is a strong word and you won't hear me use it often. But one thing I hate, like really hate, is flying. Short flights, long flights, big planes, small planes, window seat, aisle seat, especially middle seats - I hate it. Oh the hassle of geting to the airport in good time (but God forbid in too good time), all the queues, controls and organized chaos and not to speak of the uncomfortable hours above the skies with air pressure, air condition and dried out everything.

I have no strong fear of flying, crashing or getting highjacked but with everything it entails, flying makes me feel super stressed, super unbalanced and super unhealthy. And I feel it days after long flights. That's why I.. really don't like flying.

It's terrible for a travel-addict like myself and as I accept that I have to live with flying I of course try to focus on the positive... As for example getting to relax for 11 hours when flying from Shanghai to Europe and back, getting the window seat with an empty spot next to me, getting the 1st class menu because I forgot to order vegetarian (again)..

Sooo in spirit of "the positive" and with my solution-oriented mind let me share my personal Preparation & Recovery Strategy for surviving what can not be avoided when you love traveling (aaaand when you live over 8000 km from your sweet Denmark family): FLYING

Hydration Hydration Hydration

One of the biggest damages flying does to our body (and mind) is dehydration. The planes filtered, ultra-low-humidity air combined with full-on air condition can dry out just about everything, inside & outside. That's why I always focus on boosting and hydrating my body using good C-vitamin supplements, natural lemon juice & lots of electrolyte boosting drinks like coconut water and natural juices.

Psssst: Shanghai's FS JUICE has a new OASIS Juice with lemon, orange, honey, sea salt & water. These water-juices are a a good example of what our bodies needs for a "perfect balance of electrolytes for fast hydration". And they taste yummy! Check my recent post of juice boosts in Shanghai out here. Make sure to order a delivery in advance on their website before you land at your home in Shanghai or use FS' Oasis as inspiration on how to make your own hydrating treat!

Boost the immune defense

When our airways get dried out our natural health protectors in nose and throat get weakened or broken down. Without these barriers, bacterias have an easier time infecting your body. That's why I always make sure to boost my immune defense with lots of C-vitamins before flights and I make sure to stay "clean and sterilized" during and after flights (wash hands often and like you would tell a child: keep fingers out of nose and eyes)!

Move That Body

Sitting still too long has never benefited anyone. Nevertheless no one really feels like getting in and out of those small flight seats too many times. But this doesn't mean you can't move at all. First of all I always try to move as much as possible before a flight - go for a run, do yoga or take a long walk (spend the waiting time in the airport wise for instance).

Also, from my flight seat I move: stretch my body regularly, wiggle my toes, give myself a little neck massage while moving my head sideways and loosen up! Every time I get up from the seat I make sure to copy the Chinese people on board and find a corner where I can stretch every body part. After reaching my destination, I find time for an evening or morning run or a long walk and breathe in lots of air (especially if I've left Shanghai for a cleaner region).

In general my best advise is that you don't use flying/traveling as an excuse to be extra lazy & unhealthy - it's already really bad for your body, system & mind just to get up in the air. So at least do what you can to make it a zero game and arrive at your destination with a more shining skin, a clearer mind aaaand more energy to explore & attack your new destination!

To sum up - here's my Strategy for Staying Healthy After Flights:

Avoid alcohol before and during flights

Buuut if I have something on the evening before a long flight, I limit myself to 1-2 glasses of wine and make sure to drink lots of water with it.

Avoid caffeine

I replace my morning coffee with an extra yummy smoothie but because airport and lattes go really well together I often have a weak latte with only 1/2 shot of espresso - very milky but this works really well for my latte craving!

Of course have more yummy smoothies and have lots of fruits & veggies (as always)